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Crown's Spies #2-3
Guardian Angel / The Gift
Book by Garwood, Julie
748 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2005
1 person is currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
151 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 23, 2016
I've been professing my love for Julie Garwood's historical romances for years. She's one of my most favorite historical romance authors, and I re-read her books over and over. That said, I haven't re-read Guardian Angel a lot (this might be my first re-read). I absolutely loved listening to the audiobook of Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood.
Guardian Angel is a Regency set historical romance, but it isn't exactly your typical Regency novel. There are no fancy parties attended or anything like that. The story starts off with The Marquess of Cainewood (Caine), sitting in a pub in the bad side of town, hunting for the pirate Pagan, because Pagan killed his younger brother. And in walks Jade. The whole situation is typical Julie-Garwood hilarious!
Reading about Caine and Jade's interactions are so much fun. Jade has her secrets, but she has a good heart. As Jade's secrets are revealed, I can't say it was a huge surprise (of course this is a re-read for me) but I still enjoyed the discovery. I will admit that I did have a hard time actually believing these secrets to be true, but hey, this is just fun.
The supporting characters are awesome, too! I loved Jade's friends, even though they don't really show up until towards the end of the novel. And Caine's butler, Sterns, nearly stole the show. For real, I adored him! Susan Duerden , the narrator, is fabulous as always. Although she has an odd loud whispery bit to her voice, I do really like Susan Duerden's narration. Basically, if you are wanting to read some fun, Regency historical romance, don't pass by Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Guardian Angel is a Regency set historical romance, but it isn't exactly your typical Regency novel. There are no fancy parties attended or anything like that. The story starts off with The Marquess of Cainewood (Caine), sitting in a pub in the bad side of town, hunting for the pirate Pagan, because Pagan killed his younger brother. And in walks Jade. The whole situation is typical Julie-Garwood hilarious!
Reading about Caine and Jade's interactions are so much fun. Jade has her secrets, but she has a good heart. As Jade's secrets are revealed, I can't say it was a huge surprise (of course this is a re-read for me) but I still enjoyed the discovery. I will admit that I did have a hard time actually believing these secrets to be true, but hey, this is just fun.
The supporting characters are awesome, too! I loved Jade's friends, even though they don't really show up until towards the end of the novel. And Caine's butler, Sterns, nearly stole the show. For real, I adored him! Susan Duerden , the narrator, is fabulous as always. Although she has an odd loud whispery bit to her voice, I do really like Susan Duerden's narration. Basically, if you are wanting to read some fun, Regency historical romance, don't pass by Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
December 18, 2016
Lulia Garwood'un uzun zamandan beri okuduğum kitabı ve ayrıca bu tarz tarihi romans uzun zaman okumamıştım. Aradan sonra bile okuyunca insan sanki farklı tarzlara kaymak istiyor mu ne?
Neyse kitap güzeldi Garwood benim için her zaman eğlenceli zeki ve başarılı bir yazar olmuştur. Bu kitabı da güzeldi. Ama bir şeyler çok iyi de olsa fazla okuyunca biraz sıradanlaşıyor sanırım bu kitabın talihsizliği bu olsa gerek. 3 vermeye kıyamadım o yüzden 4 veriyorum. Ama Julie'i ilk okumaya başladığım zaman olsaydı 5 lik bir kitaptı derdim.
Ben bu kadının Polisiyelerini de çok beğeniyorum :)))
Neyse kitap güzeldi Garwood benim için her zaman eğlenceli zeki ve başarılı bir yazar olmuştur. Bu kitabı da güzeldi. Ama bir şeyler çok iyi de olsa fazla okuyunca biraz sıradanlaşıyor sanırım bu kitabın talihsizliği bu olsa gerek. 3 vermeye kıyamadım o yüzden 4 veriyorum. Ama Julie'i ilk okumaya başladığım zaman olsaydı 5 lik bir kitaptı derdim.
Ben bu kadının Polisiyelerini de çok beğeniyorum :)))
August 13, 2013
I remember reading this book a few years back when I was in highschool. Was my mum's. Saw it on the study table, picked it up and read the summary at the back. T'was about pirates and love. Pirates of the Caribbean was pretty big that time and I might have been infatuated with this cute girl. Stupid boy that I was, I decide to give to it a go. Wasn't that bad. Though, if I could do it again, I wouldn't read this. Waste of time.
November 14, 2011
The Gift was by far my favorite, I think so anyway, I say that after so many of these books :)... the Gift was so funny, it was sweet and romantic, I LOVED the characters, even the return of Caine (my least favorite)... Sara and Nathan where hysterical together, the crew was equally funny with sara... I can't think of a negative to say about this story, I even adored the ending...
February 9, 2013
Garwood still has the best heroines.
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
Original Pub May 1990
Hands down Julie Garwood writes the best historical heroines. Even if I don't fall in love with the story, I still adore the heroines. Jade is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. I have to say though, where as Julie Garwood is generally a slam dunk 5 rating for me, Guardian Angel didn't wow me like her usual stories.
Guardian Angel is book two in the Crown Spies series and it could definitely be read as a stand alone. I read book 1, The Lion's Lady a few years ago and it was very easy to understand Guardian Angel.
Guardian Angel sat on my shelf for a long time because the book blurb mentions a "pirate" and I admit to really needing to be in the mood for a pirate story. In this respect I was delighted in how the story played out. An excellent twist and probably my favourite part of the story.
I am trying to put my finger on why Guardian Angel didn't amaze me like most Julie Garwood books do. I've concluded that it was because the story was divided into different parts. I didn't mind the mystery that was woven into the romance so much but this time around I felt the novel would have ended perfectly once Jade and Caine were together. Now I know that I am contracting myself here because that is part of the magic with Garwood books that I adore. I normally love that Garwood often pairs up and marries off the couple earlier in the story and in this book, Jade and Caine didn't actually come together until well after the book was more than half way done. By this time, the mystery took over and there were still relationship reservations by Jade.
Still a great read and I am happy I read it. Julie Garwood still remains one of my most favourite historical romance authors.
Teasers: white rose calling card, secret Tribunal, Pagan mystery, lock breaker
http://anotherlookbookreviews.blogspo...
Original Pub May 1990
Hands down Julie Garwood writes the best historical heroines. Even if I don't fall in love with the story, I still adore the heroines. Jade is a great character and I enjoyed reading about her. I have to say though, where as Julie Garwood is generally a slam dunk 5 rating for me, Guardian Angel didn't wow me like her usual stories.
Guardian Angel is book two in the Crown Spies series and it could definitely be read as a stand alone. I read book 1, The Lion's Lady a few years ago and it was very easy to understand Guardian Angel.
Guardian Angel sat on my shelf for a long time because the book blurb mentions a "pirate" and I admit to really needing to be in the mood for a pirate story. In this respect I was delighted in how the story played out. An excellent twist and probably my favourite part of the story.
I am trying to put my finger on why Guardian Angel didn't amaze me like most Julie Garwood books do. I've concluded that it was because the story was divided into different parts. I didn't mind the mystery that was woven into the romance so much but this time around I felt the novel would have ended perfectly once Jade and Caine were together. Now I know that I am contracting myself here because that is part of the magic with Garwood books that I adore. I normally love that Garwood often pairs up and marries off the couple earlier in the story and in this book, Jade and Caine didn't actually come together until well after the book was more than half way done. By this time, the mystery took over and there were still relationship reservations by Jade.
Still a great read and I am happy I read it. Julie Garwood still remains one of my most favourite historical romance authors.
Teasers: white rose calling card, secret Tribunal, Pagan mystery, lock breaker
August 22, 2009
I actually read these as two seperate books. Guardian Angel is the first part of the story of Pagan, a pirate who in Guardian Angel is being hunted by The Marquess of Cainewwod so that he may take his revenge for the death of this brother. Then happens along a young lady in need of a favor and the story explodes from there!
The Gift is a follow up to The Guardian Angel (although you could read them seperately) it was nice to have the story of both siblings. They are both great books, I don't think I could choose between the two. In this one a very young Nathan is forced to mary an even younger Sara (they were 14 and 4) then some 18 years later having been seperate that entire time Nathan goes to claim his bride and complete the requirements of the contract that were set when they were children. If he does, he recieves the gift, which is a holding that has been fought over for years by his family and Sara's family. Great, lots of little things popping up that keep it exciting and moving!
The Gift is a follow up to The Guardian Angel (although you could read them seperately) it was nice to have the story of both siblings. They are both great books, I don't think I could choose between the two. In this one a very young Nathan is forced to mary an even younger Sara (they were 14 and 4) then some 18 years later having been seperate that entire time Nathan goes to claim his bride and complete the requirements of the contract that were set when they were children. If he does, he recieves the gift, which is a holding that has been fought over for years by his family and Sara's family. Great, lots of little things popping up that keep it exciting and moving!
September 2, 2016
London 1815 the story opens with "the hunter" Caine searches for "Pagan" the notorious evil pirate who killed his brother Colin. Colin the character from "Castles." Jade, comes to him asking she would like him to kill her because the men following her think she is a witness of a murder. She asks him if he is Pagan and he tells her that he is searching from him and will be her guardian until her brother (Nathan from The Gift) returns. The amazing twist is that Jade is really Pagan the notorious pirate! NO one would guess that a woman could be the high seas Robin Hood of the time. As a strong willed woman she struggles against her passionate response to Caine. A strong woman along with the man being the strong enough to say I love while maintaining masculine was refreshing about this book- challenging gender roles in this genre! I think Caine was Jade's perfect match and overall liked the pirate story line too!
July 2, 2012
this was definetley one of my favourite books! i love the way Jade is so spunky and she always makes me laugh
I also enjoyed the secondary characters in this book, especially Sterns! i love him! He's probably one of my characters
this book was altogether enjoyable. there seemed to be a lot of sex, but that wasnt a problem because you knew that Caine already loved Jade right from the moment she asked him to kill her. That moment made me laugh!
I also liked the way JG incorporated Lyon, Christina, Dakota, and Nathan in this book. they really added that extra punch that made me laugh out loud.
This book was entertaining and i have to say that i have already read it over again, and still think of it in the same way.
I also enjoyed the secondary characters in this book, especially Sterns! i love him! He's probably one of my characters
this book was altogether enjoyable. there seemed to be a lot of sex, but that wasnt a problem because you knew that Caine already loved Jade right from the moment she asked him to kill her. That moment made me laugh!
I also liked the way JG incorporated Lyon, Christina, Dakota, and Nathan in this book. they really added that extra punch that made me laugh out loud.
This book was entertaining and i have to say that i have already read it over again, and still think of it in the same way.
June 22, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. It was entertaining and the back and forth between the H/h was comical. I figured out right away where this book was going and that's where it went. I did not care for the last 1/4 of the book. It was very dry and boring. The Hero became an overbearing, controlling knuckledragger. Granted, this was a historical book, but dang. For the heroine (Jade) to go from a "free spirit" to suddenly having to answer to somebody was quite a shock. I didn't like it.
3 1/2 stars from This Reader.
3 1/2 stars from This Reader.
September 3, 2012
Although this wasn't my favorite Julie Garwood book, I still loved this book. I thought Jade was a great character. I think it is pretty great that in the last book the heroine was raised by Indians and in this book the heroine was raised by pirates. I didn't think the twists and mysteries were very original since I figured everything out pretty quickly, but it was still a very great read.
October 15, 2011
I actually found this book in my local library, all I saw was Julie Garwood's name on the cover and I had to have it! so I went home opened the book and i was lost, It was sooo funny, romantic and sweet that i couldn't put it down, IT WAS AMAZING!
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August 16, 2008Guardian Angel / The Gift by Julie Garwood (2005)
November 20, 2010
verry good book
April 18, 2011
I love the way Julie Garwood writes. This book caught me by surprise and had me, turning pages like crazy. I give this book 5 stars, it was very creative.
November 1, 2011
I read these books separately.
July 2, 2012
I love all of Julie Garwood's romance novels because they are quick, fun and enjoyable including Guardian Angel.
February 19, 2018
Perfect
August 2, 2020
This is my first Julie Garwood and the most praise it will get from me is it's genuinely funny. But that doesn't excuse the annoyingly misogynist hero. I had to dock points on account of all the hair pulling. I mean, she stays married to that man, she will know what's traction alopecia!
Jade is amusing and hard not to like. She is a gifted liar and an even better lock-picker and thief. (Be still my Neal Caffrey starved heart). However, not only is she most ridiculously naive about sex, it's also quite off-putting to have a pirate be that insecure. Walled-off and snippy would have been more natural. But instead she is childish and constantly seeks validation from elder male figures! Even men under her command chides her for getting too close to Caine. (Yes, this book does indeed have pirates giving out lessons on propriety. Beat that.) Considering the book came out in 1990, I suppose I can excuse the standard born-sexy-yesterday trope, but it really does make one cringe.
Caine on the other hand, huffs and puffs and bellows (and pulls Jade's hair) and is only deadly and ruthless offscreen. I mean, the man is supposed to be a great tracker, hence having earned the operative name Hunter. But the two times he tracks down a fleeing Jade, he just miraculously gets there. Wouldn't showing off his skills and process make him more appealing? He constantly infantilizes Jade and wins arguments by planting kisses of the tonsil hockey variety. Also, he is convinced that women are inferior. Until he learns who Jade really is. And that supposedly is the objective of his learning curve for he doesn't make the same mistake twice. He doesn't stop being overbearing though. The book does adopt a mocking tone regarding his self-important attitude. Except, he is really not funny.
Stearns, the butler and stand-in Dad for Caine was easily the best character in the book. Read it for Stearns, for the interaction between Jade's guardian and Caine's Stepmom, and for the first half where Jade's funny, instead of just insecure. Expect to wonder if the allegedly infamous group of pirates earned their reputation in the backyard pool.
P.S. I was getting such amazing gay vibes from Colin and Nathan. It's sad that they both turned out to be cishet males with their own books in the series.
Jade is amusing and hard not to like. She is a gifted liar and an even better lock-picker and thief. (Be still my Neal Caffrey starved heart). However, not only is she most ridiculously naive about sex, it's also quite off-putting to have a pirate be that insecure. Walled-off and snippy would have been more natural. But instead she is childish and constantly seeks validation from elder male figures! Even men under her command chides her for getting too close to Caine. (Yes, this book does indeed have pirates giving out lessons on propriety. Beat that.) Considering the book came out in 1990, I suppose I can excuse the standard born-sexy-yesterday trope, but it really does make one cringe.
Caine on the other hand, huffs and puffs and bellows (and pulls Jade's hair) and is only deadly and ruthless offscreen. I mean, the man is supposed to be a great tracker, hence having earned the operative name Hunter. But the two times he tracks down a fleeing Jade, he just miraculously gets there. Wouldn't showing off his skills and process make him more appealing? He constantly infantilizes Jade and wins arguments by planting kisses of the tonsil hockey variety. Also, he is convinced that women are inferior. Until he learns who Jade really is. And that supposedly is the objective of his learning curve for he doesn't make the same mistake twice. He doesn't stop being overbearing though. The book does adopt a mocking tone regarding his self-important attitude. Except, he is really not funny.
Stearns, the butler and stand-in Dad for Caine was easily the best character in the book. Read it for Stearns, for the interaction between Jade's guardian and Caine's Stepmom, and for the first half where Jade's funny, instead of just insecure. Expect to wonder if the allegedly infamous group of pirates earned their reputation in the backyard pool.
P.S. I was getting such amazing gay vibes from Colin and Nathan. It's sad that they both turned out to be cishet males with their own books in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews